Our RiverA dramatic play of light and sound sets the scene for visitors to connect to OUR RIVER, as they begin their gallery exploration at this exhibit. Visitors encounter a pool of water, with water rippling down from the ceiling into the pool.

Communities: Habitats of the MississippiThe Mississippi River supports a rich, dynamic network of natural communities. Visitors enjoy a wall display that portrays diversity of river ecology in the extended river ecosystem, made up of three main ecozones: River, Floodplains and Bluffs.

Mississippi in MotionThis exhibit shows how rivers forces act on the river to change its course and character over time. River cycles are conveyed with 5 different cycles of time: geological, annual, seasonal, monthly, and daily.

Confluence MapThis map shows the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers.

River TimelineThis sweeping 60-foot wall display presents the history of the Mississippi from prehistory to today.

Stairway for BoatsThis exhibit lets visitors control a flow of water between four stair-stepped pools, an abstraction of the Mississippi Lock and Dam System. This exhibit also describes the Upper Mississippi Lock and Dam System.

Surf the WatershedThis exhibit allows visitors to see how they fit into the Mississippi River Watershed. By typing in their zip code visitors can find out if they live in the watershed, create a map of their zip code, and numerous other activities.

Common Water, Common GroundThis exhibit poses contemporary environmental situations involving water quality and water quantity.

Steer the BargeCome see the life-size, realistic replica of a towboat pilothouse. Try your handat steering a barge.

AquariumJurassic Fish can be found in the museum aquarium. From longnose gar to shovelnose sturgeon see how they looked in prehistoric times.

Moving WaterThis exhibit includes a stream table that allows visitors to see how a riverbed may change as water flows downstream.

What Makes a Great RiverThis exhibit introduces visitors to the River Through Time. See how the Mississippi River we know today was “grown” and shaped by powerful natural forces over hundreds of millions of years.

Micromodel and Sediment InteractiveThe micromodel demonstrates how micromodeling is used in river management. The reverse side of the exhibit is a “laboratory” designed to explain sedimentation.

Melvin Price Lock and DamLearn how Melvin Price Locks and Dam were built and how it operates today.

How Much Water Do You Use?It’s important to be aware of our personal water consumption, and how we can use water resources more wisely. Find out how much water you use.

The National Great Rivers Museum 2 Lock and Dam Way Alton IL 62002 877-462-6979ANNUAL REPORT 2013